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IBIS CHARACTERISTICS

Both sexes are similar in appearance

Males slightly larger

Thin, strongly down-curved bills with pointed tips

Partly webbed toes with middle toe slightly scalloped

IBIS INFORMATION

Ibis are found in North America, Africa, Madagascar, Eurasia (except the northern areas), Australia, Central and South America, and Trinidad.
There are 33 species in the world. All of which are strong fliers and swimmers. They are true wetland birds, found in fresh or salt water, marshes and swamps. All are gregarious, nesting in colonies in trees. They travel in flocks.

Ibis
The Ibis family is an ancient group. The Latin word has Greek origins meaning "Religious worship, sacred bird". Fossil records go back 60 million years. Record in human history traced to 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians venerated the old world sacred Ibis, as part of their religion. The birds are often mummified and buried in temples with the Pharaohs. Of all species of Ibises, the most widely distributed is the Glossy Ibis. Commonest in the new world is the White Ibis, and the most beautiful is the Scarlet Ibis.

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SCARLET IBIS

 

Scarlet Ibis

The Scarlet Ibis is one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. The Scarlet Ibis is scarlet in colour - the feathers being coloured through the synthesis of carotene present in some of their food (Fiddler and Aratus crabs, shrimp, algae and aquatic insects). The black pigment in the primary feathers is thought to give extra strength to the wing tip. Long neck counters long legs for reaching water surface and mud flats. The long legs are useful for wading in marshy ground, mud flats and mangrove stands.
The Scarlet Ibis is long-lived - It can live up to 18 years in captivity. Ibis are considered adults when they are about 2 years old- by this time they have gained their bright red colour. They follow an elaborate courtship and usually pair for life.

The Wild Fowl Trust now has a breeding population of about 8 Scarlet Ibis.



SCARLET IBIS CHICKS

Scarlet Ibis with chicks Scarlet Ibis chicks


Habitat

Ibis live in large colonies in nutrient-rich 
fresh-water and salt-water 
(mangrove swamps).

Voice

A light-high pitched, squeaky note
 "tior tior". Only heard at nest, roost
 or when disturbed.

Size

The Ibis is 21-27 inches long. Wing spread
 is typically 38 inches.

Main Predator

MAN

 

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WHITE IBIS

Found in North America, Central America, and the Northern regions of South America. An occasional visitor to Trinidad.
Adult birds are snow white with black wing tips, and bare pink faces, legs and bills. These areas become red in the breeding season. Eyes are blue. Like the Scarlet Ibis, the chicks are black. Immature birds are brown and white.
They feed by probing in mud for crabs and crustaceans, but also feed on fish, frogs, slugs, snails and aquatic beetles.

Bred consistently and successfully at the Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust.


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GLOSSY IBIS

This old world bird crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America in the 19th Century and quickly extended its range northward. An occasional visitor to Trinidad, seen in small numbers.

Found both in fresh and saltwater. Plumage mostly chestnut with metallic gloss. appearing black at a distance. Legs are grey or greenish black. They eat mostly crayfish and snakes (95% are water snakes), grasshoppers, worms, and insects.

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Last updated on 2003-04-09 .  Questions, comments, suggestions - may be forwarded to the Webmaster